Lloyd McClendon says Jesus Sucre makes M’s better team

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon explained Tuesday the decision to let go backup catcher John Buck and replace him with Jesus Sucre: It makes the Mariners better.

As the Mariners push into the second half of the season in contention for the playoffs, growing concerns about Buck’s defense, particularly his ability to block and receive pitches, caused the Mariners to designate him for assignment. Buck was a leader, and his teammates were somber in the clubhouse after learning of his fate after a 2-0 win Monday, which also happened to be Buck’s 34th birthday.

But McClendon said he made the decision that was best for the organization. Sucre, 26, provides the Mariners with a better defensive option. McClendon called him a “shutdown-type of catcher” in terms of throwing base runners out, and he also praised his ability to block and receive pitches.

Buck had thrown out just three of 14 base stealers, while Sucre threw out 21 of 41 runners in Tacoma this season.

“I’ve been working really hard with my defense down there, especially with my footwork stuff and throwing the ball to second,” Sucre said. “I feel much better this year.”

Sucre’s defense should give McClendon more comfort in resting catcher Mike Zunino. Zunino has played in 72 of the Mariners’ 90 games. That’s the 13th-most games played by a catcher in the majors this season.

More important, McClendon said there’s a noticeable drop in Zunino’s numbers after he plays four straight games.

“That’s one thing I’m very conscious of,” McClendon said, “and we have to be careful of his innings.”

He added, “With the type of defensive catcher we have in Sucre, we don’t have to worry about who’s pitching that day as far as giving him rest.”

Sucre played in eight games for the Mariners last season. The knock against him has always been his offense, but McClendon said the feedback he heard from Tacoma was that Sucre had improved.

Sucre hit .274 with two homers, 16 RBI and a .653 OPS for the Rainiers.

“I think he’s going to be a plus in that department,” McClendon said.

McClendon also brushed off the notion that Zunino, 23, needs a veteran presence around.

“I’ll say this about Zunino: I certainly think he’s battle tested,” McClendon said. “He’s crossed the river, and I think he’s ready to take the next step.”

Paxton throws simulated game

Injured pitcher James Paxton threw two innings in a simulated game Tuesday and said he felt “awesome.”

He will throw another simulated game Saturday. He said he and the team are trying to decide if he will throw two or three simulated games. He said if he only pitches two simulated games, he will go to Class A Everett after Saturday and make his first rehab start, then move on to Class AAA Tacoma.

Thursday starter? Not yet

McClendon said he hasn’t decided who will start Thursday’s game against the Twins, but he said he would announce it Wednesday. He also said he would announce who will start for the Mariners this weekend against Oakland.

Felix Hernandez will start Friday against the A’s. He was originally scheduled to start Thursday, which is why the Mariners have an opening.

Jayson Jenks: 206-464-8277 or jjenks@seattletimes.com

Jayson Jenks: 206-464-8277 or jjenks@seattletimes.com; on Twitter: @jaysonjenks. Jayson Jenks covers the Seahawks for the Seattle Times. He also provides coverage of other Seattle-area teams throughout the year.